At Gould Farm, the REACH for Wellness program offers a transformative journey that invites guests to engage with the mind, body, and heart in meaningful and holistic ways. It integrates seamlessly into the daily rhythm of the Farm, where wellness is not an isolated event but woven into many aspects of life in our community. Whether working in the bakery or gardens, sharing meals, or participating in structured wellness groups, the REACH program contributes to an environment that promotes healing, connection, and personal growth.
Mind, Body, Heart: The Core of REACH
The REACH initiative draws on three fundamental domains of wellness: mind, body, and heart. These are not just abstract concepts but practical avenues for guests to explore, ensuring a balanced and comprehensive approach to wellness and recovery. The program is designed to integrate structured group time into the week, offering a range of experiences and opportunities to cultivate physical health, emotional resilience, and mental clarity.
Mind: Foundational skills groups such as Polyvagal Theory and Acceptance & Change guide participants through essential cognitive and emotional tools for managing anxiety, stress, and mood shifts. These groups draw on evidence-based therapeutic models like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), allowing guests to gain life skills that enhance their capacity for independent living.
Body: Whether it's high-impact exercises like running or biking, or low-impact activities like tai chi and yoga, REACH promotes a variety of ways for guests to engage in physical wellness. These activities promote strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health, helping guests reconnect with their bodies in nurturing and empowering ways.
Heart: Creative arts groups like collage-making, knitting, and group meditations provide a space for self-expression, emotional exploration, and social connection. These activities nurture the heart, fostering interpersonal bonds and encouraging a sense of belonging within the Gould Farm community.
“The REACH program has been a fun and meaningful space to follow where my interests and guest interests overlap in ways that enable us to learn together. I'm excited to pilot a Mentalization-based therapy group next month!” - Brett Thatcher, LICSW, clinician
A Day in the Life: Wellness Woven Into Daily Rhythms
At Gould Farm, the structure of each day reflects our program’s commitment to wellness. A typical day begins with breakfast, morning meeting, and team check-ins. Guests then participate in the Work Program, chopping wood, clearing trails, pulling weeds, baking bread, or caring for the animals. These tasks are not just practical—they also serve as moments of mindfulness, physical activity, and social interaction. The REACH program dovetails into this workday by offering dedicated wellness time twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
In addition to the REACH offerings listed above, activities on Tuesday and Thursday have included activities such as "Your Body is Not an Apology" workbook study, guided by staff, which delves into radical self-love and self-compassion. Guests have also participated in hands-on activities like knitting group, where creativity and mindfulness come together, and a various guided meditation groups, offering participants space for inner reflection. Physical wellness continues to be a focus with options like independent exercise, walking group, pickleball, and hiking—all designed to encourage movement and connection with nature.
“I enjoy leading the pickleball REACH group because it is a sport that naturally lends itself to cooperation and good vibes, creating an atmosphere of support and camaraderie. It’s fulfilling to watch Guests connect, improve their coordination and focus, and thrive in a fun, social environment that promotes both physical and emotional well-being.” - Nathaniel Rundle, Residential Director
After the work program, guests and staff sit down for meals featuring the bounty of our farm and gardens. Whether it’s fresh vegetables from the garden or dairy and meat products from the Gould Farm cows, the meals reinforce a fundamental wellness principle: Eat better, feel better. Fresh, wholesome food nourishes the body and mind, laying the foundation for a balanced recovery.
REACHing Together: Building Community Through Shared Experiences
The communal nature of Gould Farm amplifies the benefits of the REACH program. With staff and volunteers often participating in groups alongside guests, the sense of mutual support deepens. The experience is not just about individual healing; it’s about transforming together. Whether knitting in silence, discussing intersectionality in films, or practicing yoga, participants grow through shared challenges and successes, forming strong, meaningful connections.
"Being in a group setting is a powerful way to help combat stigma and build meaningful connections with others. Even when I've done "easy" groups like knitting I love the opportunity to be part of a shared group experience that I don't get to have as often in my clinical role." - Liz Halla-Mattingly, MSW, Transition counselor
Outside resource people are also invited into the program, providing expertise in areas like nutrition or creative writing, and reinforcing Gould Farm’s commitment to connecting the community with broader wellness practices.
REACH as a Pathway to Long-Term Wellness
Every six weeks, the REACH program shifts into a new cycle, offering fresh groups and activities that guests can select based on their interests and goals. This rotating structure ensures that guests are continually exposed to new concepts, skills, and physical activities, supporting both short-term recovery and long-term well-being.
The REACH for Wellness program isn’t just an add-on to life at Gould Farm—it’s an intentional component of the daily experience. It invites participants to take part in a balanced and thoughtful approach to recovery, offering them tools and experiences that they can carry forward long after they leave. Here, guests are not only given the chance to heal their bodies but also to care for their minds and hearts, building resilience and wellness from the ground up.
REACH stands for:
Recover using a holistic approach to well-being and happiness
Eat better and exercise regularly
Appreciate the land, its bounty, and its healing qualities
Care for ourselves and one another to foster healthy relationships
Heal our bodies to support healthy minds and productive work